Horse racing’s shame

I HAVE enjoyed horse racing since placing shilling bets as a teenager.

i appreciate the majesty of the horses as they parade, their grace when racing, and the obvious love and care shown to the horses by owners, trainers and stable staff. it is a sport unlike any other.

so it was with a mixture of sorrow and disgust that i saw the picture of trainer Gordon elliott astride a dead horse. My first reaction was tears at the sight of the animal, then disbelief followed by anger that anyone would act in such a way, let alone a highprofile member of the racing world.

it is deeply saddening that horses can be seen simply as a means to make money and can be disregarded in such an appalling way.

the timing could not be worse, just before the Cheltenham Festival. if owners move their horses, this will disrupt training at a critical time.

elliott’s disgraceful behaviour provides ammunition for those who want to see horse racing banned. one stupid act is in danger of destroying the reputation of a great sport. M. J. SHILLINGFORD,

Fetcham, Surrey.

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